Altria Group demonstrated its pricing power as interest in cigarettes dropped off further, and its CEO said Thursday that its buyout of smokeless tobacco maker UST positions it for long-term growth amid the widespread financial turmoil.

Altria Group said Wednesday it would spin off its international tobacco business on March 28, freeing it to pursue cigarette sales more aggressively outside the U.S. by separating it from its American counterpart.

Altria Group said Wednesday it would spin off its international tobacco business on March 28, freeing it to pursue cigarette sales more aggressively outside the U.S. by separating it from its American counterpart.